How To Prevent Chafing

You love your swimsuits, shorts and other warm-weather gear. But when clothing is at a minimum, sweat is at a maximum. And the skin on your thighs, butt, underarms and other bits can pay the price.

“Your skin is more prone to chafing in the warmer months, thanks to increased friction from skin-to-skin or skin-to-clothing contact,” says family medicine specialist Cory Fisher, DO.

Understanding why chafing happens is the first step to prevention. Dr. Fisher explains more, including how to treat chafed skin.

When does chafing happen?

Chafing occurs when the top layer of your skin (epidermis) breaks down from rubbing against skin, clothing or other material. Friction irritates the skin. And sweat, humidity, pool water and other wetness can make the friction even worse.

Chafed skin can look a lot like a rash. It may be red, painful or itchy.

The key difference? The location of your reddened patch.

“Chafing occurs in areas where you have natural creases and skinfolds,” Dr. Fisher clarifies. “Rashes can appear anywhere, including smooth skin surfaces, like your chest, back and arms.”

Best ways to prevent chafing

You can’t always prevent chafing, especially during peak summer days when you sweat more and wear less. But certain products and steps can help.

Try these strategies.

Armpit chafing

Walking, running, weightlifting and other movements keep your arms in constant contact with your armpits and torso. Not to mention, armpits are sweaty!

Using an antiperspirant is a good first step to reducing sweat that worsens chafing. Dr. Fisher also recommends wearing tight-fitting, seamless tops that wick moisture away from your skin.

Breast and nipple chafing

People who exercise or who have overweight or large breasts may experience more skinfold friction and underboob sweat. The two things combined can lead to breast chafing.

People who breastfeed (chestfeed) are prone to nipple chafing. So are runners. In fact, it’s such a common issue among runners that the condition has its own name: jogger’s nipple.

Take these steps to help protect your breasts and nipples from chafing:

• Apply petroleum jelly or another skin lubricant to nipples.
• Choose a properly fitted sports bra.
• Place athletic tape or bandages over your nipples.
• Wear tight-fitting, moisture-wicking shirts.

Butt chafing

Butt chafing can occur between your butt cheeks and the area where the bottom part of your cheeks meets the back of your thighs ... not exactly the type of booty burn you’re aiming for when you do squats, run or hike.

And, of course, butt chafing can happen even when you aren’t exercising.

If you’re prone to butt chafing, the underwear you choose can make a big difference.

“Compression underwear, shorts or leggings help reduce friction,” Dr. Fisher suggests. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking underwear to prevent butt chafing.

Groin chafing

Your groin area is prone to chafing, thanks to natural moistness and thinner skin that’s uber-sensitive.

Sprinkle anti-friction, moisture-absorbing powders on your nether regions and in compression underwear. For less mess, look for anti-chafe products that you can apply — like lotion and dry powder.

Thigh chafing

That inner thigh burn can happen to people of all shapes and sizes.

“Your thighs are either in contact with each other or your clothes,” Dr. Fisher points out.

People who have overweight and those who do activities that work the lower body are at greater risk for thigh chafing.

The same underwear that prevents butt and groin chafing also works for thigh chafing. Look for longer, compression boxer briefs or slip-style underwear that covers the thighs. You can also apply:

• Anti-chafing glide-on sticks or creams
• Moisture-absorbing, anti-friction powders or cornstarch

Foot chafing

Skin irritation and chafing on your feet can lead to painful blisters.

These steps can help lower the risk of feet chafing:

• Wear moisture-wicking, seamless socks.
• Make sure your shoes are the right size for your feet.
• Change out of sweaty socks and shoes soon after a workout.
• Use an over-the-counter foot antiperspirant.
• Sprinkle moisture-absorbing powders or cornstarch into your socks and shoes.
• Apply bandages or moleskin to chafed areas to prevent blisters.

Caring for chafed skin

If exercise makes you chafe in certain areas, you may need to take a break from the activity until the skin heals.

“Look at it as an opportunity to try a new workout,” Dr. Fisher advocates.

You can also take these steps to help chafed skin heal:

• Apply petroleum jelly or an unscented moisturizer to irritated skin.
• Change out of sweaty, wet clothes as soon as possible.
• Clean the skin with mild soap and warm water. Gently pat dry (don’t rub).
• Place a bandage over your chafed skin.
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing that doesn’t rub against the chafed area.

When chafing happens

Chafing can be uncomfortable. And yes, it’s annoying. With proper care, chafed skin should heal within two weeks (often faster). But in rare instances, chafing can lead to serious problems.

“Bacteria and fungus can enter through any break in your skin, putting you at risk for infections like cellulitis,” Dr. Fisher explains.

See your healthcare provider if your chafed skin:

• Doesn’t get better after a week of home treatments
• Causes severe pain or itching
• Shows signs of infection, such as yellow pus, foul smell or warm to the touch

“With so many lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes and anti-chafe products available, it’s easier to keep chafing from happening in the first place,” he reassures.